Learn about Settling the Kansas Territory

An 1863 version of Colton’s Kansas and Nebraska map, 1855. It shows the eastern portions of Kansas and Nebraska including rivers, creeks, trails, roads, railroads, forts, towns, and counties. Source: Kansasmemory.org

Hear accounts of Kansas’ settlers brought to life by re-enactors. Even before the state entered the Union, the area attracted many settlers, and each experience was unique. Still, all who arrived suffered the hardships of trying to make a living on the western frontier.

In 1854, the Kansas Territory was opened for settlement. The area along the Missouri border attracted many settlers, some with political motivations and others motivated by opportunity. Each experience was unique, yet all who arrived found core commonalities.

The Settling the Kansas Territory reader’s theater script was created using excerpts from real historical letters and diaries. Following the reading, participants will have the opportunity to discuss what it took to move west to the frontier. Bring your questions.

This program is part of the Shared Stories of the Civil War Reader’s Theater project, a partnership between the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area and the Kansas Humanities Council.

See books upon books about Kansas and/or written by Kansans when you visit the Topeka Room (second floor).

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A public relations professional, editor and writer, Lisa shares the library story in her blog posts, in the bimonthly Library News, and media interviews. A self-described social media and news nut, Lisa harnesses that passion to raise awareness and understanding of the library's vital role in this community.